Russia
The largest country with the biggest heart. While there are varying opinions about Russia in the news, the reality is that a government and its people are not one in the same. There is a toughness built from resilience that is clear on the exterior but the patience and kindness I was shown here was my very favorite part about visiting. Also that they eat so much sour cream. The grandeur of Moscow and St. Petersburg meshes perfectly with the tranquility of Siberia and it has so much to teach you that you’ll never want to leave.
Basic Info
Drinking water: Safe to drink from the tap
Plugs: Type C and F (See photo below)
Covid Updates
Negative PCR for all countries. See more below for more info.
**Make sure to triple check entry requirements well before departure as protocols are constantly changing**
Money
Official currency: ₽ Russian ruble
Budget: Backpackers can expect to spend around €20 per day and mid range travelers about €40. The cost will go up because of transportation so it really depends on how much traveling within the country you’re doing. It is by no means astronomical to travel through Russia but it might seem so in comparison to other daily costs.
Credit cards: Accepted in many hotels and restaurants. Occasionally available for train and bus tickets but you’ll definitely want to have cash as it’s not uncommon for museums or smaller places to only accept cash.
Tipping: 10-15% in cash, directly to the waiter
Visas
61 nations are visa exempt for various amounts of time. Most of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, USA, Canada and Mexico are not among them
**Always check with your government for the most up to date information on visa requirements.**
Vaccinations
None
**Assuming you are current on routine vaccinations. Always check with your government for the most accurate and up to date information on required vaccinations specific to your home country**
Safety
Exercise Normal Precautions
**Always check with your government for the most accurate and up to date information on safety**
Language
Official Languages: Russian
Hello: Здравствуйте (ZDRA-stvuyte)
Goodbye: До свидания. (do sviDAniya)
Thank-you: Спасибо (spa-SI-ba)
Yes: Да (da) No: Нет (nyet)
Vodka: водка (Vodka) Water: воды (voDI)
When to go
The summers are warm with endless daylight while the infamous winters are the exact opposite.
The crowds in the summer, however, make for long lines at many of the popular tourist attractions so make sure to book ahead and go early. Prices are also high. Winter won’t see nearly as many tourists and the views of the snow covered landscapes are absolutely stunning, as well as having the chance to see the Northern Lights.
October and November tend to be the wettest months ultimately leading to May – early June as the most ideal time to visit based on nice weather, long days and fewer tourists. But, if you’re not afraid of the cold then winter is a surprisingly spectacular option.
Responsible Travel
Hire local guides
Eat, stay and shop local
Always be environmentally conscious
